Older adults who regularly engage in both aerobic and strength exercises perform better on cognitive tests than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle or only participate in aerobic activities. This conclusion comes from researchers at the University of Florida.
The scientists examined 184 cognitively healthy individuals aged 85 to 99. Each participant reported their exercise habits and answered questions from neuropsychological tests assessing cognitive functions.
It turned out that those who regularly participated in aerobic exercises (such as swimming and cycling) and strength training had the best brain function scores—regardless of the intensity and duration of their workouts. These scores relate to mental activity, quick thinking, and the ability to change or adapt one’s thinking.
What Else Did the Researchers Discover?
Among the well-known testing tools, experts utilized the “Montreal Cognitive Assessment.” This test provides a comprehensive view of various aspects of brain activity. Through this assessment, the team found that participants who did not engage in any physical exercise had the poorest brain function scores.
Moreover, the group that performed both types of exercises excelled in specific cognitive operations, such as symbol coding.
The researchers cautioned that while their study establishes a correlation between the combination of aerobic and strength exercises and high cognitive test scores, they were unable to determine a causal relationship within the scope of this work.
Why This Matters
Thus, the results indicate that a variety of exercises are linked to improved cognitive functions in individuals aged 85 and older.
Given the global aging population, experts consider cognitive health to be a pressing issue. Projections suggest that by 2060, the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. alone will reach 14 million. In 2020, there were 6 million such individuals in the United States, according to ScienceAlert.
The researchers’ findings not only offer hope for healthy aging but also propose a practical approach to enhancing cognitive health in the later decades of life.
The study results provide a solid evidence base for healthcare professionals. In their patient wellness plans, doctors can incorporate the researchers’ recommendations for a mixed regimen of aerobic and strength exercises.
The scientists emphasized that maintaining cognitive health reduces healthcare costs and ensures a higher quality of life.
What Will the Team Investigate Next?
In the near future, researchers plan to address several important questions. For instance: What types of aerobic and strength exercises are most effective for cognitive health? Is walking as effective as running? Does weightlifting have the same impact on mental abilities as resistance band exercises? How much exercise is necessary to see noticeable cognitive benefits?
Another crucial question is whether physical exercise can be actively used to treat neurocognitive disorders in older adults. So far, researchers have viewed physical activity primarily as a preventive measure.
The study’s findings were published in the journal GeroScience.